Rodriguez Hopeful to Discover More About Quarterbacks Through Limited Restriction on Contact
As preseason practices kick off across the country, college football programs are beginning the critical process of evaluating their rosters ahead of the new season. For Coach Daniel Rodriguez, head coach of the Eastern Valley Tigers, this year’s preparations come with a unique twist: a slight easing of contact restrictions during quarterback drills.
The NCAA recently approved a revision to preseason practice guidelines, allowing limited, controlled contact scenarios for quarterbacks during select scrimmage periods. The rule change, aimed at giving coaches better insight into their signal-callers under pressure, is something Rodriguez believes could be a difference-maker for his program.
“We’re not talking about full-contact hits on quarterbacks,” Rodriguez clarified during Tuesday’s media availability. “But being able to put them in slightly more realistic, competitive situations — where there’s a real threat of pressure — allows us to evaluate how they react, make decisions, and stay composed.”
Traditionally, quarterbacks wear red or green “no-contact” jerseys during practice, shielding them from any physical contact in team drills. While the safety measure is essential to avoid injuries at the game’s most important position, it can often skew a coach’s ability to assess a quarterback’s pocket presence, toughness, and decision-making under fire.
With a three-man battle currently unfolding in Eastern Valley’s quarterback room, Rodriguez welcomes the chance to gather more concrete data. Returning sophomore Michael Benton, redshirt freshman Caleb Woods, and junior transfer Tyler Grayson have all taken turns leading the first-team offense over the opening days of camp.
“All three bring something different to the table,” Rodriguez said. “Benton has the experience and leadership, Woods has the arm talent, and Grayson’s mobility adds a different dynamic. But practice has limitations. You don’t always see how they’ll respond when things break down unless there’s some level of physicality.”
The Tigers are coming off a 6–6 season that saw inconsistent quarterback play derail what was otherwise a promising year. Rodriguez, now entering his third year at the helm, knows that settling the quarterback question early could be key to Eastern Valley making a leap in the competitive Sun State Conference.
Despite the optimism, Rodriguez emphasized that player safety remains a top priority.
“We’re using padded shells and controlled environments. Nobody’s being taken to the ground,” he said. “But football is a contact sport. To prepare properly, especially at quarterback, they’ve got to feel some of that chaos.”
Players have responded positively to the adjusted format. Grayson, the transfer from Westlake Tech, said the added pressure in the pocket makes practice “feel more like game day.”
“You can’t really simulate that until guys are moving fast and you’re being forced to think on your feet,” Grayson said. “It helps us grow.”
As camp progresses, Rodriguez hopes the slightly elevated tempo will provide the clarity he needs before naming a starter. The Tigers are set to open their season on August 31 against in-state rival Clearwater State — a game that could set the tone for their entire campaign.
“Quarterback is the most scrutinized position in sports,” Rodriguez said. “We just want to make sure we’re getting the best evaluation possible — and now we have a better shot at doing that.”
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